# What should I do if my child doesn't show me things they like? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-should-i-do-if-my-child-doesn-t-show-me-things-they-like Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited If your child doesn't yet show you things they like, focus on warm, face-to-face play — follow their lead, respond with delight when they share, and create gentle reasons to look to you. Sharing interests (joint attention) usually grows between 9 and 18 months. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. *When your little one doesn't turn to share the things that delight them, it's natural to wonder — and there is so much you can gently do.* ## In short When a child rarely brings you a toy, points to something exciting, or looks back to check you're sharing the moment, this is one early social-communication signpost worth gently watching — not a diagnosis. Sharing interests (called *joint attention*) usually blossoms between **9 and 18 months**, and it grows beautifully with warm, playful, responsive interaction. The most helpful thing you can do is play at your child's level, follow their lead, and notice patterns over a few weeks — then arrange a friendly developmental check if you stay unsure. ## What this looks like and what helps Sharing what we enjoy — holding up a biscuit to show you, pointing at a dog, glancing back to see your face light up — is how children connect before they have many words. If your child seems content to play alone and doesn't yet bring things to you, here is what genuinely helps: - **Get face to face, down at their level** — sit on the floor, in front of them, so your smile and eyes are easy to find. - **Follow their lead** — join whatever they're already enjoying rather than redirecting; comment warmly on it ("Wow, the red car!"). - **Make sharing rewarding** — when they do glance at you or hold something out, respond with big, happy delight, so the moment feels worth repeating. - **Create gentle reasons to share** — offer a windy-up toy or bubbles and pause, so they look to you for "more". - **Name feelings and objects** as you play, building the bridge between connection and language. These are everyday, joyful things — never drills. Most children respond warmly when interaction is consistent and unhurried. ## When to seek a check Consider a friendly developmental check if, by around **18 months**, your child rarely points to show interest, doesn't bring or show you objects, seldom makes eye contact during play, or doesn't share smiles back and forth — especially alongside few words or limited response to their name. Trust your instinct: a check is reassurance, not a label, and earlier support is always gentler. ## The Pinnacle way AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or an online form. We begin with a warm, [clinician-administered structured assessment](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) to understand your child's whole profile, and where helpful, build social connection and communication through [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate). You're always welcome to [start here](/) and ask us anything. ## Trusted sources CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone guidance on showing and sharing interests; American Academy of Pediatrics family guidance (HealthyChildren.org) on social-communication development; ASHA resources on early joint attention and communication. **Next step —** Noticing your child doesn't share their joys? [Book a warm developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated). ## Sources - CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. (developmental milestones): https://www.cdc.gov/child-development - AAP HealthyChildren.org — social and communication development: https://www.healthychildren.org - ASHA — early social communication and joint attention: https://www.asha.org ## Connected topics and perspectives - Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Social: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/social - Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment - Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment ## Related question paths ### Recognise signs & concerns - What to do when a child isn't yet showing social interest: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/as-a-caregiver-what-should-i-do-if-a-child-in-my-care-is-not-yet-showing-social-interest - What does it mean if my child is not yet showing social sharing?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-it-mean-if-my-child-is-not-yet-showing-social-sharing - Is it normal that my child is not yet showing social sharing?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-it-normal-that-my-child-is-not-yet-showing-social-sharing - Is it normal that my child is not yet showing social play?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-it-normal-that-my-child-is-not-yet-showing-social-play ### Explore therapy & support - What does it mean if my child doesn't show me things they like?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-it-mean-if-my-child-doesn-t-show-me-things-they-like - My child doesn't show me things they like — should I be worried?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-doesn-t-show-me-things-they-like-should-i-be-worried